Susan Meissner

Susan Meissner is an American author known for her historical fiction novels that often explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Her works frequently weave together past and present narratives, offering readers a rich tapestry of storytelling.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Secrets Of A Charmed Life

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, this poignant tale follows the lives of two sisters, Emmy and Julia, who are evacuated from London to the English countryside to escape the Blitz. As the war rages on, Emmy dreams of becoming a bridal gown designer, but a series of choices and unforeseen events lead to a heartbreaking separation from her sister. The narrative weaves between past and present, unraveling the secrets and decisions that shaped their lives, exploring themes of ambition, love, and the enduring bonds of family.

  2. 2. A Fall Of Marigolds

    Set against the backdrop of two tragic events a century apart, this poignant novel weaves together the lives of two women connected by a beautiful scarf adorned with marigolds. In 1911, Clara Wood, a nurse on Ellis Island, grapples with the loss of a loved one in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, while in 2011, Taryn Michaels, a widow, struggles with memories of her husband's death on 9/11. As their stories unfold, the scarf becomes a symbol of hope and healing, bridging the gap between past and present, and highlighting the enduring power of love and resilience.

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  3. 3. As Bright As Heaven

    Set against the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, this poignant novel follows the Bright family as they navigate the challenges of life, love, and loss in Philadelphia. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the women in the family—Pauline and her three daughters, Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa—each grappling with their own dreams and heartaches. As the flu ravages the city, the family confronts the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the bonds that hold them together in the face of adversity.

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  4. 4. The Nature Of Fragile Things

    Set against the backdrop of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this historical novel weaves a tale of resilience, secrets, and unexpected alliances. The story follows Sophie Whalen, an Irish immigrant who enters into a marriage of convenience with a mysterious widower to secure a better future. As she navigates her new life, Sophie uncovers hidden truths about her husband's past and forms an unlikely bond with a young girl and another woman connected to him. The catastrophic earthquake forces them to confront their intertwined destinies, revealing the strength and fragility of human connections amid chaos.

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  5. 5. A Bridge Across The Ocean

    Set against the backdrop of post-World War II, this captivating novel weaves together the lives of three women whose destinies converge on the RMS Queen Mary. The story unfolds through the perspectives of a present-day woman named Brette, who possesses the ability to see ghosts, and two war brides, Annaliese and Simone, each harboring secrets and dreams as they journey to America for a new beginning. As Brette delves into the ship's haunted past, she uncovers the intertwined fates of these women, revealing a tale of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope across generations.

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